More than 1,000 children live in temporary homes through South Dakota's foster care system. But when they turn 18, some find themselves without a home. National studies show more than 20 percent of teens who "age out" of the foster care system end up in jail within two years. Others end up on the street.
And the state of South Dakota is helping teens who find themselves on their own transition into adulthood.
Twenty-one-year-old Matt Thueringer's taking a break from his college classes to visit with an old friend.
"It's definitely nice to know that there's people who care," Thueringer said.
That's especially true in Thueringer's case.
Growing up he didn't have a permanent home and entered into the foster care system when he was 14. When he was 17 and transitioning out of foster care he came here.
"The situation that I was involved with involved me not being able to go back with family, they were just deemed not able to take care of me at the time, and because of that situation, I kind of felt like, now what, of course I moved through various foster homes, and a couple different places, and I ended up coming here in the end," Thueringer said.
Staff at Volunteers of America, Dakotas' Independent Living Program, like Stephanie Graeb, helped him figure out how to live on his own.
It's one of just three programs of its kind in the state.
"They help you go to the grocery store, they have a budget that they say, we have this much money to spend, we're gonna get your first groceries today," Thueringer said.
Thueringer has since moved out on his own and says it wouldn't have been possible without the Independent Living Program.
"Definitely the cooking of course, then I learned time management, how to get public assistance, food stamps, welfare, how to find a job," Thueringer said.
The program helps about 40 teens and young adults every year by providing an apartment, hands-on assistance, and guidance.
Many of the residents are teens who used to be in the state's care. Some move here to escape dangerous situations, and others are homeless.
"There are a lot of young people in our community that need support to move out on their own and be successful," Stephanie Graeb with Volunteers of America, Dakotas said.
The program not only provides a roof over their heads, but stability in their lives; it also helps them get ahead because they set aside money while they're here, and when they move out, they have something to start with on their own.
People can only stay here for a year, and there are rules they must follow. If they're school aged, they need to get an education. Older residents have to hold a job. Graeb says they're all important pieces to the puzzle.
"If our program wasn't available to participants, we would see increased numbers of youth homelessness and then, of adult homelessness," Graeb said.
Instead they're seeing success stories, young adults like Matt Thueringer who are now living independently.
"Unfortunately, a lot of times, whether it be a traumatic incident or removal from the home, it's easy to start feeling like nobody does care, but when you get into programs like this, you start learning that hey, they're really are people out here who are going to be there to help you if you need help. It's a nice feeling," Thueringer said.
Thueringer is majoring in criminal justice and plans to get a masters degree.
In addition to Volunteers of America, the McCrossan Boys Ranch near Sioux Falls and Stepping Stones in Rapid city also help youth in foster care transition to adulthood.
Cherlene Richards
© 2010 KELOLAND TV. All Rights Reserved.